EP4075034A1 - Elektrisch betätigte ventile - Google Patents

Elektrisch betätigte ventile Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4075034A1
EP4075034A1 EP22178168.5A EP22178168A EP4075034A1 EP 4075034 A1 EP4075034 A1 EP 4075034A1 EP 22178168 A EP22178168 A EP 22178168A EP 4075034 A1 EP4075034 A1 EP 4075034A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plunger
housing
valve
actuator
carrier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22178168.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Schmitz
Gerhard Hörber
Sigurd STURM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schukra Berndorf GmbH
Original Assignee
Schukra Geratebau GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schukra Geratebau GmbH filed Critical Schukra Geratebau GmbH
Priority to EP22178168.5A priority Critical patent/EP4075034A1/de
Publication of EP4075034A1 publication Critical patent/EP4075034A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
    • F16K27/003—Housing formed from a plurality of the same valve elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
    • B60N2/66—Lumbar supports
    • B60N2/665—Lumbar supports using inflatable bladders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
    • B60N2/914—Hydro-pneumatic adjustments of the shape
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/061—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element
    • F03G7/0614—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element using shape memory elements
    • F03G7/06143—Wires
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/064—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by its use
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F16K31/025—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic actuated by thermo-electric means

Definitions

  • Various techniques generally relate to electric actuation of a fluid valve. Various techniques specifically relate to actuation of a valve using a shape memory alloy actuator. Various techniques relate to a modular assembly of a valve using an actuation component that is attachable to a housing, to thereby form the valve. Various techniques relate to a modular assembly of a system including multiple valve blocks, wherein each valve block includes one or more valves.
  • Valves to switch a fluid flow are employed in various fields including automotive seating.
  • an example application includes switching the flow of pressurized air to implement functions such as lumbar support, bolster adjustment, and massage.
  • valves are implemented using solenoid technology.
  • respective valves are comparably bulky and heavy and, furthermore, cause a significant noise level during operation.
  • valves are sometimes equipped with an actuator employing a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire.
  • SMA shape memory alloy
  • valves employing an SMA wire can be comparably complex and require many parts.
  • the respective valves can use housings having large dimensions such that they are difficult to integrate. Often, the valves can be difficult to assemble.
  • a modular setup of valves and systems of valves is provided.
  • a first level of modularity is provided by an actuator component that provides for the various parts that move to open and close a fluid flow path.
  • a housing includes one or more fluid ports that define the fluid flow path.
  • the actuator component can be assembled outside of the housing and can then, subsequent to assembly, be attached to the housing, thereby forming a valve. The actuator component is thus configured to cooperate with the housing to form the valve.
  • a actuator component includes a carrier.
  • the carrier is attachable to the housing.
  • the actuator component also includes a plunger.
  • the plunger is arranged on the carrier.
  • the plunger includes a sealing surface that is arranged at a top end of the plunger.
  • the sealing surface can thus - depending on a position of the plunger - selectively engage with a circumference of a fluid port that is formed in the housing, to thereby cut off the fluid flow path.
  • the fluid flow can be switched and the valve is formed.
  • the actuator component may include an elastic member that is arranged between the carrier and the plunger and is configured to exert a bias force onto the plunger. This can help to implement a normally-off or normally-on valve, by biasing the plunger into an opened or a closed position.
  • an electrical actuator is provided, mounted to the carrier.
  • electrical actuators can be used in the techniques described herein. Examples include solenoid actuators using electromagnetic flux to move the plunger or piezoelectric actuators using the piezoelectric effect to move the plunger.
  • the actuator component includes an SMA wire implementing the actuator.
  • the SMA wire is arranged between the carrier and the plunger and is configured to exert an actuation force onto the plunger.
  • the elastic member can be implemented by a spring, e.g., a compression spring. It is possible that the spring is co-linearly arranged with the SMA wire and the plunger.
  • the actuator component together with the housing forms a valve.
  • Each valve can include one or more actuator components.
  • the housing - e.g., together with a top plate that sealingly engages side parts of the housing - can define a respective fluid-flow compartment for each valve.
  • 2-way valves or 3-way valves can be defined and a respective count of fluid ports can be provided in the respective fluid-flow compartment.
  • a second level of modularity is proved by using a common housing for multiple valves, e.g., multiple 2-way and/or 3-way valves.
  • This system of valves can be labelled valve block. It is possible that the actuator components of a valve block are contacted by a single circuit board, to provide an electrical current that activates or deactivates the SMA wire.
  • a third level of modularity is provided by using multiple valve blocks.
  • the multiple valve blocks can be connected by respective connection components.
  • a fluid flow path can extend between the multiple valve blocks and through the connection components.
  • a single circuit board can be shared between the actuator components of the multiple valve blocks.
  • a system includes multiple valve blocks attached to a circuit board.
  • Each valve block includes a respective housing and one or more valves arranged in the respective housing.
  • the housings of the multiple valve blocks are fluidly connected via connection components.
  • Each connection component includes an elastic element.
  • the elastic elements are configured to provide a positional degree of freedom for relative displacement of the respective to valve blocks with respect to each other.
  • valves can include electrical pins that are coupled to the circuit board.
  • relative arrangement of respective electrical pins with respect to contact elements of the circuit board can be facilitated by the positional degree of freedom provided by the elastic element.
  • firstly assemble the actuator components first level of modularity
  • secondly attach the actuator components to the housing of a valve block and possibly repeat this for multiple valve blocks
  • Such techniques can be applied for various kinds and types of actuators, e.g., SMA wires, solenoids, or piezoelectric actuators.
  • a method includes assembling one or more actuator components of a valve block. Each one of the one or more actuator components includes a plunger and an actuator. The method also includes attaching the one or more actuator components to a housing of the valve block. This is after said assembling of the one or more actuator components of the valve block.
  • the housing includes, for each one of the one or more actuator components, at least one respective fluid port.
  • the actuator components may include a carrier on which the plunger and the actuator are mounted.
  • This invention also comprises the following aspects:
  • the fluid may be a gas or a liquid.
  • a valve is employed.
  • the valve includes a fluid port and a plunger.
  • the plunger (sometimes also referred to as piston) is configured to selectively seal the fluid port.
  • the plunger includes a sealing surface for this purpose.
  • the plunger may fully seal the fluid port in a closed position and fully unseal the fluid port in an opened position.
  • an intermediate position is conceivable where the plunger partially seals the fluid port, i.e., provides a certain flow resistance to the fluid.
  • an electric actuator is employed to displace the plunger.
  • the actuator displaces the plunger between the opened position and the closed position.
  • the plunger moves between the closed position and the opened position along a displacement direction.
  • Example electric actuators include, but are note limited to: SMA actuators, piezoelectric actuators, or solenoid actuators.
  • valves described herein may find application in various fields.
  • the valves may be employed in seats, e.g., office chairs or automotive seats.
  • bladders in the seats may be selectively filled with pressurized air. This increases the seating comfort. Massage functionality may be possible.
  • a control unit may be provided which is configured to control the actuation of the valve.
  • the control unit may be implemented by a microcontroller, a field-programmable array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
  • the control unit can output and/or detect electric current or electric currents, to thereby control operation of a valve actuator.
  • the actuator is implemented by an SMA wire.
  • the SMA wire may be implemented by a wire-shaped SMA material or by a belt-shaped SMA material.
  • SMA wire for sake of simplicity reference is made to an SMA wire, but other configurations of the SMA wire are conceivable.
  • the SMA wire provides a length change depending on its temperature.
  • an SMA wire can be configured to reversibly change its shape due to thermal activation between an extended state and a contracted state.
  • the extended and contracted states may correspond with the closed and opened positions of the piston, respectively.
  • the SMA wire may provide such a shape change due to phase transformation between two or more solid-state phases.
  • the transformation is between a low-temperature phase / martensitic phase to a high-temperature phase / austenitic phase.
  • the phase transformation is reversible and independent of time.
  • the SMA wire can activate by feeding an electric current to the SMA material, i.e., by using the SMA wire as an electric conductor. Due to the current flow, the SMA material is heated. The change in temperature causes the length change.
  • external heating elements arranged adjacent to the SMA wire could be employed, e.g., separate current-carrying wires, etc..
  • NiTi Nickel-Titanium
  • ternary or quaternary elements may be added to such a NiTi-based SMA wire, for example including carbon, oxide, copper, chromium, etc.
  • Other examples for SMA wires include copper-based alloys such as CuZnAI or CuAINi.
  • a normally-closed valve is provided.
  • activation of the SMA wire - due to contraction - exerts a respective actuation force on the plunger to unseal a fluid port and to displace the plunger from its closed position to its opened position.
  • a resilient member - e.g., a spring such as a compression spring or a leaf spring - is provided to exert a bias force on the plunger that tends to move the plunger to the closed position.
  • the techniques described herein enable the implementation of a linear geometry of the SMA wire with respect to the displacement direction of the plunger. As such, a co-linear or even co-axial motion of the plunger and the longitudinal axis of the SMA wire can be implemented.
  • the SMA wire and the plunger can be co-linearly arranged.
  • the resilient member can be arranged co-linearly with respect to the plunger.
  • the SMA wire can extend along the displacement direction for at least 50% of its length, optionally for at least 80% of its length, further optionally of at least 90% of its length, further optionally of at least 95% of its length, further optionally of at least 99% of its length, further optionally of 100% of its length.
  • a linear geometry enables to highly integrate the valve using compact dimensions for the housing.
  • bulky lever-type arrangements are avoided. This facilitates a modular setup.
  • a particular tight sealing of a fluid port may be achieved. This may be due to a sealing surface of the plunger engaging tightly and uniformly with a fluid port.
  • an actuator component can be used that provides for the displacement of the plunger.
  • the actuator component includes the plunger and the actuator, e.g., implemented by an SMA wire and a resilient member.
  • the plunger and the actuator can be assembled onto a carrier of the actuator component.
  • the actuator component can then cooperate with a housing to form the valve together with the housing. I.e., the plunger can seal-off a fluid port formed in the housing.
  • the plunger can move inside a fluid compartment formed by the housing.
  • a shape of the carrier and/or a material of the carrier can vary depending on the scenario.
  • the carrier could be plate-shaped in a scenario in which a SMA actuator is used.
  • the carrier could be rod-shaped in a scenario in which a solenoid actuator is used: for example, the carrier could implement a coil core.
  • the carrier can be made from a plastic material.
  • the actuator component can be attached to the housing, e.g., to a bottom plate of the housing.
  • a releasable connection can be provided.
  • a clip-on functionality can be provided by respective structural engagement features.
  • the actuator component can be attached to the housing so that the plunger, when moved to the closed position by the actuator, can seal-off a fluid port formed in the housing.
  • the housing - e.g., together with a top plate - can form a fluid-flow compartment that defines and/or guides and/or constrains the fluid path.
  • the actuator component can be arranged inside or outside of the fluid-flow compartment.
  • the fluid-flow compartment can be in-between two or more fluid ports.
  • a modular setup of the valve based on the actuator component and the housing provides for a simple and reliable assembly.
  • This facilitates the assembly in particular in scenarios in which a multi-channel valve block is provided that includes multiple valves, wherein each valve is associated with one or more respective actuator components.
  • each valve of the valve block more specifically, each at least one actuator component of each valve can be separately assembled and only subsequently is it required to attach the multiple actuator components to the typically bulky housing of the valve block.
  • end-of-line testing of the functionality of each actuator component may be possible before attaching the actuator component to the housing. Thereby, it is possible to identify rejects for the actuator components, without compromising the overall integrity of a multi-channel valve block.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates aspects with respect to a valve 100 employing a SMA wire 151 to actuate a plunger 125.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a 2/2-valve; other configurations are conceivable.
  • the valve 100 of FIG. 1 can be part of a multi-channel valve block (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ). Here, multiple valves 100 configured in accordance with the valve 100 can be coupled in parallel.
  • FIG. 1 a closed position 91 of the plunger 125 is illustrated in which the plunger 125 seals a fluid port 121.
  • the valve 100 is closed.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a linear geometry.
  • the SMA wire 151 extends along a longitudinal axis 111A of a housing 111 and of the plunger 125 for 100% of its length 251, albeit generally it would also be possible that the SMA wire 151 only extends along the axis 111A for a smaller fraction of its length 251.
  • the housing 111 includes two long side surfaces 1111, 1112 and two short side surfaces 1113, 1114.
  • the fluid port 121 is arranged in the short side surface 1113.
  • a further fluid port 122 is arranged in the opposing short side surface 1114, albeit it could also be arranged in one of the long side surfaces 1111, 1112. In between the fluid ports 121, 122, there is defined a fluid flow path.
  • the linear shape of the housing 111 correlates with the linear arrangement of the SMA wire 151.
  • the SMA wire 151 has two ends 351, 352.
  • the end 351 is coupled with the plunger 125.
  • the end 352 is at a fixed position with respect to the reference frame of the housing 111.
  • a connection piece such as a crimp connection or alternative connections (e.g. knotting, welding, screwing,...) may be employed.
  • a length change of the SMA wire 151 results in a displacement of the plunger 125 away from a fluid port 121 (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the SMA wire 151 extends along its entire length 251 between the fluid ports 121, 122 defining the fluid flow path.
  • the SMA wire 151 extends between the opposing sides 1113, 1114 of the housing 111 in which the fluid ports 121, 122 are arranged.
  • the SMA wire 151 may extend along at least 20 %, optionally at least 50 %, further optionally at least 90 % of its entire length 251 between the fluid ports 121, 122.
  • the SMA wire 151 and the plunger 125 are co-linearly arranged. This facilitates a compact design of the valve 100 - in particular if compared to scenarios where the SMA wire 151 extends away from the fluid flow path. Also, a tight engagement between a sealing surface of the plunger 125 and, e.g., an O-ring of the fluid port 121 can be facilitated.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates aspects with respect to the valve 100 according to the example of FIG. 1 .
  • the opened position 92 of the plunger 125 is illustrated in which the plunger 125 does not seal the fluid port 121.
  • a fluid may enter or exit the inner part of the housing 111 via the fluid port 121.
  • a displacement direction 259 of the plunger 125 is illustrated.
  • the SMA wire 151 contracts, it exerts an actuation force 155 on the plunger 125.
  • the SMA wire 151 pulls the plunger 125 along the displacement direction 259 (horizontally, towards the left in FIG. 2 ).
  • This actuation force 155 causes the plunger 125 to move / displace along the displacement direction 259.
  • the displacement direction 259 is aligned with an axial direction of the plunger 125.
  • the respective displacement 99 of the plunger 125 from the closed position 91 to the open position 92 is illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • This displacement 99 is parallel to the displacement direction 259.
  • guide slots or through holes may be provided in which the plunger 125 is arranged (not shown in FIG. 2 ).
  • the SMA wire 151 in the example of FIG. 2 , extends along the displacement direction 259 for 100% of its length - hence, a fully co-linear design is implemented; in other examples, the SMA wire 151 could extend along the displacement direction 259 for a smaller fraction of its length 251, e.g., for at least 50% of its length 251, optionally for at least 90% of its length, further optionally for at least 95% of its length.
  • Such a fully or partly co-linear design of the plunger 125 and the SMA wire 151 enables to implement the valve 100 with a small footprint. Also, the actuation force is efficiently transmitted from the SMA wire 151 to the plunger 125. Furthermore, complex lever-type geometry is not required and a tight sealing engagement between the plunger 125 and the fluid port 121 can be achieved.
  • the absolute length change of the SMA wire 151 is limited to some value in order to avoid non-elastic deformation and damage.
  • the length change corresponds to strain.
  • typical strain may be limited to 3 - 7 %.
  • the length 251 of the SMA wire 151 can be dimensioned sufficiently large. Then, even a small strain results in a significant displacement 99.
  • Example implementations provide a length 251 of the SMA wire 151 in the range of 10 millimeters - 50 millimeters, optionally in the range of 25 millimeters - 35 millimeters. For example, here, a 2 % length change of the SMA wire 151 results in a displacement of approximately 0.6 millimeters.
  • the valve 100 further includes a resilient member 161.
  • the resilient member 161, the plunger 125, and the SMA wire 151 are all co-linearly arranged.
  • the resilient member 161 e.g., a compression spring, extends along the displacement direction 259.
  • Example implementations of the resilient member 161 include a leaf spring, or a coiled compression spring, or another elastic element such as a rubber element, etc..
  • the resilient member 161 is configured to exert a bias force 161A onto the plunger 125.
  • the bias force 161A generally urges the plunger 125 into the closed position 91, because in the example of FIGs. 1 and 2 a normally-closed valve 100 is provided.
  • the bias force 161A generally opposes the actuation force 155 of the SMA wire 151. During displacement from the closed position 91 towards the opened position 92, the actuation force 155 is larger in magnitude than the bias force 161A. This causes the plunger 125 to move.
  • the bias force 161A and the actuation force 155 may be in equilibrium.
  • a stop member could be provided physically limiting further displacement of the plunger 125 beyond the opened position 92.
  • a limit switch may be used to limit further contraction of the SMA wire 151.
  • the resilient member 161 is arranged on the same side of the plunger 125 as the SMA wire 151.
  • the bias force 161A may result from a compression of the resilient member 161.
  • the resilient member 161 is arranged in between the plunger 125 and the fluid port 121, i.e., on the opposing side of the plunger 125 if compared to the SMA wire 151. Then, the bias force 161A may result from an extension of the resilient member 161.
  • an actuator component 601 is formed by the following elements: plunger 125, SMA wire 151, and resilient member 161.
  • the actuator component 601 can, thus, be assembled separately from the housing 111.
  • the actuator component 601 can, after being assembled, be attached to the housing 111, to thereby form the valve 100 including the fluid flow path between the fluid ports 121, 122.
  • the actuator component 601 according to the example of FIGs. 1 and 2 can be modified in other examples. For example, it would be possible to use more than a single SMA wire 151 or another arrangement of the SMA wire 151. This is illustrated in connection with the following FIGs.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates aspects with respect to a valve 100 in which the actuator component 601 employs two SMA wires 151, 152 to actuate the plunger 125.
  • the valve 100 according to the example of FIG. 3 generally corresponds to the valve 100 according to the example of FIGs. 1 and 2 .
  • the end 351 of the SMA wire 151 is coupled with the plunger 125.
  • the end 353 of the SMA wire 152 is likewise coupled with the plunger 125.
  • the end 352 of the SMA wire 151 is fixed with respect to the reference frame of the housing 111.
  • the end 354 of the SMA wire 152 is fixed with respect to the reference frame of the housing 111.
  • SMA wires it would be possible to use an even larger number of SMA wires in order to actuate the plunger 125. For example, a count of three or four or five SMA wires could be used.
  • the various SMA wires can be arranged co-linearly with respect to each other and with respect to the displacement direction 259.
  • the use of multiple SMA wires enables to increase the actuation force 155 provided by the multiple SMA wires; while avoiding overload with respect to each individual SMA wire.
  • the stress per SMA wire can be reduced. It would also be possible to increase the total force provided by the multiple SMA wires, while the stress on each individual SMA wire remains constant.
  • Such various design options can also be combined.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates aspects with respect to a valve 100 employing a single SMA wire 151.
  • the SMA wire 151 is co-linearly arranged with the plunger 125 and the resilient member 161, i.e., the displacement direction 259.
  • the SMA wire 151 is arranged in a U-shape.
  • the SMA wire 151 includes two sections which are arranged anti-parallel with respect to each other (upper and lower part of the SMA wire 151 in FIG. 4 ).
  • Both ends 351, 352 of the SMA wire 151 are coupled to the plunger 125.
  • a middle region 355 of the SMA wire 151 - arranged in between the end 351, 352 - the SMA wire 151 is wound about a fixture 157-1 fixedly arranged with respect to the reference frame of the housing 111.
  • the example scenario illustrated in FIG. 4 allows to provide a significant actuation force 155 and/or a significant displacement 99 due to the U-shaped arrangement of the SMA wire 151; at the same time, the number of electrical contacts to feed the heating current into the SMA wire 151 is limited (in particular if compared to the scenario of FIG. 3 using multiple distinct SMA wires). This simplifies the arrangement.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates aspects with respect to a valve 100 employing a single SMA wire 151.
  • the SMA wire 151 is co-linearly arranged with the plunger 125 and the resilient member 161.
  • the example of FIG. 5 generally corresponds to the example of FIG. 4 , but employs a somewhat inverted geometry.
  • the fixture 157-1 is coupled with the plunger 125 and the ends 351, 352 of the U-shaped SMA wire 151 are fixed in the reference frame of the housing 111.
  • the fixture 157-1 may be built into the plunger 125 and may, optionally, be formed integrally with the plunger 125.
  • the fixture 157-1 can receive and engage the U-shaped section of the SMA wire 151, when assembling the actuator component 601.
  • the fixture 157-1 could be implemented by a groove or slot or recess in a body of the plunger 125.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates aspects with respect to a valve 100 including a SMA wire 151 or multiple SMA wires that are co-linearly arranged.
  • the valve 100 according to the example of FIG. 6 can be configured in a similar manner as discussed above, e.g., in connection with any 1 of FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic side view.
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates aspects with respect to the modular setup of the valve 100. More specifically, FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the actuator component 601 comprising the SMA wire 151, the plunger 125, and the resilient member 161.
  • the SMA wire 151, the plunger 125, and the resilient member 161 are all attached to a carrier 621.
  • the carrier 621 is plate-shaped in the scenario of FIG. 6 , but, as a general rule, could have other shapes, e.g., rod-shaped.
  • the plunger 125 includes a plunger body 125-2 and a plunger cap 125-1; the plunger cap 125-1 forms a sealing surface 125-3 that is arranged at the top end of the plunger 125 (extending radially) and that can sealingly engage with the fluid port 121 to seal the fluid port 121 in the closed position 91 (cf. FIG. 1 ).
  • the fluid port 121 is arranged in a side part 612 of the housing 111, extending away from a bottom plate 611 of the housing 111.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic side view of the valve 100.
  • a manufacture state is illustrated in which the actuator component 601 is assembled, but the actuator component 601 has not yet been attached to the housing 111.
  • the carrier 621 is of elongated shape and extends along the displacement direction 259.
  • the carrier 621 has an upper surface 625 and a bottom surface 626.
  • the plunger 125, the SMA wire 151, and the resilient member 161 all extend along the upper surface 625. Then, the bottom surface 626 can be brought into contact with the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111.
  • the actuator component 601 is arranged in-between the fluid ports 121-122 in the fluid flow path.
  • FIG. 6 also schematically illustrates aspects with respect to the electric actuation of the SMA wire 151.
  • the actuator component 601 includes electrical contacts 701 (in FIG. 6 only a single electrical contact is illustrated, for sake of simplicity; e.g., in a U-shaped setup of the SMA wire 151 (cf. FIG. 5 ) it would be possible that multiple electrical contacts 701 are arranged next to each other approximately at the same position of the carrier 621.
  • An electrical current can be fed into the SMA wire 151 via the electrical contacts 701.
  • the electrical contacts 701 could be implemented by crimp connectors attached to the SMA material of the SMA wire 151.
  • electrical pins 721 that extend away from the bottom surface 626 of the carrier 621.
  • the electrical current can be provided to the electrical contacts 701 via the electrical pins 721.
  • the electrical pins 721 extend through through holes 615 formed in the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111.
  • the through holes 615 can, thus, receive the electrical pins 721.
  • a circuit board 631 can be attached to the bottom plate 611 (then, the bottom plate 611 can be arranged in between the actuator component 601 and the circuit board 631).
  • the electrical current used to actuate the SMA wire 151 - or generally any other type of electrical actuator - can be controlled and provided.
  • the limit switch 705 could be implemented by circuitry that includes a contact pin and a counter electrode.
  • the electrical limit switch 705 is arranged with respect to the plunger 125.
  • the plunger 125 can trigger the electrical limit switch 705.
  • the electrical current used to activate the SMA wire 151 can be reduced, e.g., by varying duty cycle and/or an amplitude, so as to prevent any further displacement of the plunger 125.
  • the electrical limit switch 705 can be contacted by the circuit board 631 via respective pins 721 that extend away from the bottom surface 626 of the carrier 621 and can be received in through holes 615 of the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111.
  • FIG. 6 also illustrates aspects with respect to a top plate 641.
  • the top plate 641 can be attached to the housing 111, so as to form a fluid-flow compartment 613. More specifically, the top plate 614 can sealingly engage top ends of the side parts 612 of the housing 111.
  • the actuator component 601 is arranged in the fluid-flow compartment 613.
  • the fluid flow path is defined within the fluid-flow compartment 613 and sealed-off against the environment.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples.
  • the method of FIG. 7 enables to manufacture a valve, a multi-channel valve block that includes multiple valves fluidly coupled with each other, or even multiple valve blocks fluidly coupled with each other (i.e., a system of valve blocks).
  • the method of FIG. 7 enables manufacture using a modular setup.
  • one or more actuator components 601 can be assembled.
  • Each one of the one or more actuator components includes at least a respective carrier, a plunger, and an actuator to move the plunger 125 between an opened position and a closed position.
  • an actuator component 601 as discussed above in connection with FIGs. 1 to 6 could be used.
  • Another option includes using a solenoid or piezoelectric actuator.
  • box 1001 Depending on the design of the actuator component 601, different implementations of box 1001 are conceivable. Some aspects with respect to a possible implementation of the assembly of box 1001 are discussed in connection with FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of parts of the actuator component 601 illustrating the resilient member 161, here implemented by a compression spring 161 that is coiled or wound around the plunger 125.
  • the plunger 125 could be moved, e.g., by a solenoid actuator or an SMA actuator or a piezoelectric actuator.
  • the plunger 125 is attached to the carrier 621 using posts 661-662 having through holes 665 (cf. inset of FIG. 8 that illustrates a cross-sectional view along the line X-X).
  • the through holes 665 and the plunger 125 have a non-circular cross-section, so as to avoid rotation of the plunger 125 within the through holes 665. This has been found to provide additional stability avoiding wear-out of the actuator.
  • the assembly at box 1001 can include inserting the plunger 125, more specifically a plunger body 125-2, into the through holes 665 formed on top of the carrier 621. Before inserting the plunger 125 into the through hole 665, it would be possible to insert the plunger 125 into the compression spring 161.
  • the plunger 125 includes a radial protrusion 129 and the compression spring 161 abuts against a respective engagement surface formed by the radial protrusion 129 of the plunger 125.
  • the radial protrusion extends 360° in the circumferential direction of the plunger 125; this has been found to provide a evenly distributed bias force 161A as a function of the displacement 99. This helps to reduce wear-out of the actuator, e.g., of the SMA wire 151.
  • FIG. 9 a scenario is illustrated in which the actuator is implemented by an SMA wire 151.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of parts of the actuator component 601 illustrating the plunger 125 having the plunger cap 125-1 that defines the sealing surface 125-3.
  • the fixture 157-1 of the SMA wire 151 to the plunger 125 is implemented by a recess formed at a top part of the plunger 125. For instance, this can be helpful for a U-shaped implementation of the SMA wire 151 (cf. FIG. 5 ). A middle section of the SMA wire 151 can then be guided in the recess.
  • the assembly of box 1001 can include inserting the SMA wire 151 into the recess of the fixture 157-1 and then attaching the plunger cap 125-1.
  • assembling the one or more actuator components 601 may further include, e.g., connecting electrical contacts of the actuator to one or more electrical pins.
  • the SMA wire can be crimped to respective electrical contacts.
  • FIG. 7 also illustrates the attachment of the one or more actuator components to the housing 111, at box 1002.
  • the actuator components may only be attached to the housing 111 upon successfully passing an end-of-line test testing the functionality of displacement of the plunger between an opened position and a closed position.
  • the bottom plate 611 and/or the carrier 621 can include respective protrusions and interrelated engagement surfaces or indentations in order to establish the press fit.
  • each one of the one or more actuator components 601 it is possible to individually attach each one of the one or more actuator components 601 to the housing 111. I.e., it would be possible to sequentially attach multiple actuator component 601, e.g., using a pick-and-place process. This can simplify the attachment process and, furthermore, make the attachment process more reliable.
  • the electrical pins 721 can be received by respective through holes 615 in the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111.
  • the electrical pins 721 can be used to provide a supply current to the electrical actuator.
  • the electrical pins 721 can be attached to a bottom surface of the carrier.
  • the through hole 615 can be sealed off against the environment.
  • the sealant can also provide adhesive properties so as to lock into position the one or more actuator components 601 with respect to the housing 111.
  • the SMA wire 151 cannot loose during operation.
  • the housing 111 can be attached to a circuit board 631.
  • the circuit board is arranged adjacent to the bottom surface of the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111 (cf. FIG. 6 ).
  • the circuit board 631 can contact the electrical pins 721 arranged in the through holes 615.
  • valves 100 are formed. Where multiple valves are formed in a common housing, this can be referred to a multi-channel valve block. In some scenarios, it would even be possible to prepare a system of multiple valve blocks. This is illustrated in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 10 schematically illustrates aspects with respect to a system 800 including two serially coupled valve blocks 801-802.
  • the valve block 801 includes multiple valves 101-103 and the valve block 802 includes multiple valves 104-106; these valves 101-106 can be configured as discussed above in connection with the valve 100.
  • Each valve 101-106 includes a respective actuator component 601 formed in a fluid-flow compartment 613 formed by the housing 111.
  • the actuator component 601 includes a plunger and an electrical actuator, e.g., an SMA actuator or another actuator.
  • the actuator component 601 may include a carrier.
  • the system 800 also includes a pump line block 805.
  • the valve block 801 is connected to the pump line block 805 via the valve block 802.
  • the system 800 could include more than two valve blocks 801-802.
  • the system 800 could include valve blocks coupled serially and/or in parallel.
  • connection components 811 that are configured to establish the fluid flow path (illustrated in FIG. 10 by the dashed lines) in between the valve blocks 801-802 and the pump line block 805.
  • these connection components 811 each include a respective elastic element (not shown in FIG. 10 ).
  • the elastic element can deform so as to provide a positional degree of freedom, e.g., a translational degree of freedom and/or a rotational degree of freedom, for the relative displacement between the adjacent valve blocks 801-802 and the pump line block 805, respectively.
  • the elastic element could be implemented by a rubber cannula inserted into respective holes formed in the housings of the valve blocks 801-802 and the pump line block 805, respectively.
  • the elastic element could be implemented by a rubber cannula inserted into respective holes formed in the housings of the valve blocks 801-802 and the pump line block 805, respectively.
  • the top plate 641 can be shared by the multiple blocks 801-802, 805. I.e., the top Thereby, the fluid flow path between the fluid ports 121-122 is sealed off against the environment.
  • the top plate 641 can be shared between multiple valves 100 of the multi-channel valve block.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an implementation of the actuator component 601 according to various examples.
  • the SMA wire 151 is arranged in a U-shape, similar to the schematic illustration of FIG. 5 .
  • the compression spring 161, the SMA wire 151, and the plunger 125 are all co-linearly arranged, with respect to the displacement direction 259.
  • the compression spring 161 is coiled about the plunger 125.
  • the plunger 125 includes a plunger body 125-2 that carries the compression spring 161 and a plunger cap 125-1 that is attached to the plunger body 125-2.
  • the plunger body 125-2 is inserted into through holes formed in two posts 661-662 on top of the carrier 621.
  • FIG. 12 is a top view of the actuator component 601 of the example of FIG. 11 .
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of the actuator component 601 of the example of FIG. 11 .
  • the actuator component 601 can then be attached to the housing 111. This is illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 .
  • FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are top views of the actuator component 601 of the example of FIG. 11 , when attached to the housing 111.
  • a valve 100 is illustrated.
  • the valve 100 may be part of a multi-channel valve block.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the closed position 91 (cf. FIG. 1 ) and FIG. 15 illustrates the opened position 92 (cf. FIG. 2 ) of the plunger 125.
  • a sealing surface 125-3 of the plunger cap 125-1 engages with a circumference of the fluid port 121, e.g., an O-ring.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates aspects with respect to the post 661.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A denoted in FIG. 12 .
  • the post 661 includes a through hole 665 into which the plunger body 125-2 is inserted.
  • the radius of the through hole 665 correlates with the radius of the plunger body 125-2.
  • the radius varies (non-circular cross-section) so that the plunger 125 cannot rotate.
  • FIG. 16 also illustrates an elastic member 681 having form-induced elasticity that extends away from the upper surface 625 of the carrier 621.
  • the elastic member 681 can engage with the top plate 641 (cf. FIG. 6 ), to thereby press the carrier 621 against the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111.
  • By providing the elasticity there is provided for of tolerance and the vertical positioning of the actuator component 601 with respect to the housing 111.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates aspects with respect to the post 661.
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B denoted in FIG. 12 .
  • the engagement surface is formed along the entire circumference of the plunger body 125-2, such that a continuous (and even linear) force profile without peaks can be provided for the bias force 161A. Spring ends are not required to be clamped.
  • the other end of the compression spring 161 is illustrated in FIG. 18 .
  • FIG. 18 illustrates aspects with respect to the post 662 and the plunger 125, more specifically, the plunger body 125-2.
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C denoted in FIG. 12 .
  • the plunger body 125-1 includes a radial protrusion 129 that extends in the entire circumferential direction of the plunger 125.
  • the compression spring 161 abuts against the engagement surface formed by the radial protrusion 129 of the plunger body 125-2. Again, this helps to provide a continuous force profile for the bias force 161A.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates aspects with respect to the plunger 125. More specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates aspects with respect to the attachment of the plunger cap 125-1 to the plunger body 125-2. As illustrated in FIG. 19 , the plunger cap 125-1 is clipped onto the plunger body 125-2. The plunger body 125-2, for this purpose, includes an end piece that can receive the respective cavity formed by the plunger cap 125-1.
  • This end piece also includes a recess forming the fixture 157-1 into which the SMA wire 151 is inserted. Upon inserting the SMA wire 151, the plunger cap 125-1 can be attached to the end piece thereby locking the SMA wire 151 into position. This is also illustrated by FIG. 20 which is a cross-sectional view along the line E-E.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a multi-channel valve block 801 including three valves 101-103.
  • the valves 101-103 are 3/3-valves and are each formed by two respective actuator components 601.
  • the modular concept is emphasized by illustrating a state during manufacture of the valve block 801 in which the actuator component 601 of the valve 103 are already attached to the housing 111; however, the actuator components 601 of the valves 101-102 are not yet attached to the housing 111.
  • protrusions 902 provided in the side parts 612 of the housing 111 that can provide a press fit with respective mating indentations 901 (cf. FIG. 11 ; FIG. 15 ) provided in the carrier 621.
  • FIG. 22 is a top view of the valve block 801 attached to a pump line block 805, i.e., a respective system 800 is illustrated. In FIG. 22 , all actuator components 601 are attached to the housing 111.
  • system 800 includes the valve block 801 and the pump line block 805, alternatively or additionally to the pump line block 805 the system could include one or more further multi-channel valve blocks (cf. FIG. 10 ).
  • FIG. 23 is a respective perspective top view corresponding to the top view of the valve block 801, upon attaching the top plate 641.
  • FIG. 24 is the corresponding perspective bottom view, wherein the pins 721 of the actuator components 601 (cf. FIG. 11 ) protrude from underneath the circuit board 631.
  • the pins 721 extend through through holes 615 in the bottom plate 611 of the housing 111 (cf. FIG. 21 ; FIG. 6 ).
  • FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view along the line F-F denoted in FIG. 22 .
  • FIG. 25 illustrates aspects with respect to a connection component 811 used to establish a fluid flow path sealed against the environment between the valve block 801 and the pump line block 805.
  • the connection component 811 includes an elastic element 815 that is inserted into a respective cannula extending from within the housing 111 of the valve block 801 to within the housing 111 of the pump line block 805.
  • the elastic element 815 provides twofold functionality: firstly, it seals the fluid flow path against the environment; secondly, due to its elasticity, it allows for relative positioning of the valve block 801 with respect to the pump line block 805. This is, in particular, helpful for scenarios in which, e.g., multiple valve blocks are connected via respective connection component 811, wherein each valve block includes pins 721 to contact a common circuit board 631 shared between the multiple valve blocks.
  • connection component 811 can be plug-shaped.
  • the adjacent housings 111, more specifically the side parts 612 of the housings 111 can have through holes into which the plug-shaped connection component 811 can be pushed.
  • the connection component 811 could include a sleeve-shaped piece, e.g., made of metal.
  • the elastic element 815 can surround the metal sleeve or be arranged inside the metal sleeve. The metal sleeve can provide for additional sealing against the environment.
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the connection component 811, illustrating the inserted elastic element 815.
  • FIG. 27 is a top view of a system 800 including valve blocks 801-803.
  • FIG. 28 is a respective exploded perspective view.
  • Each valve block includes a number of valves, e.g., the valve block 801 includes four valves 101-104 (the three valves of the valve block 802 are not labeled and the three valves of the valve block 803 are also not labeled, for sake of simplicity).
  • each valve block 801-803 has its own housing (the full arrows mark the borders between the housings 111).
  • the housings 111 of the valve blocks 801-803 are fluidly coupled via respective connection elements 811.
  • the fluid flow path is thus established in between the valve blocks 801-803 (some branches of the fluid flow path are illustrated using dashed lines in FIG. 27 ).
  • connection components 811 are plug-shaped.
  • the connection elements 811 include elastic components 811 that are configured to provide a positional degree of freedom for relative displacement of the respective valve blocks 801-803 with respect to each other.
  • the connection element 811 arranged to fluidly couple an interior of the housing 111 of the valve block 801 with an interior of the housing 111 of the valve block 802 includes a respective elastic element that allows to space apart or move together the housings 111 of the valve blocks 801, 802, i.e., increase or decrease a respective gap in-between the housings 111.
  • a relative rotation of the housings 111 of the valve blocks 801-802 can be accommodated for by the elastic element.
  • each electrical actuator of the respective actuator components 601 (implemented by solenoid actuators in the example of FIG. 27 ; however, other kinds and types of electrical actuators could be used, e.g., actuators employing an SMA wire 151 as discussed above, e.g., in connection with FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 ; also, in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 the actuator components 601 are shown in a state in which they are already attached to the housings 111 of the valve blocks 801-803) with a circuit board 631.
  • pins of the valves can be coupled to the circuit board 631, more specifically to size-constrained electrical contact regions of the circuit board 631.
  • the bottom plate of the housing 111 is arranged in-between the actuator components 601 including the electrical actuator (here: the solenoids), and the circuit board 631. Accordingly, the pins can extend through through holes formed in the bottom plate of the housing 111 (cf. FIG. 6 ).
  • each valve block 801-803 has its own top plate 641 that sealingly engages the upper ends of the side parts 612 of the housings 111.
  • a single top plate 641 can be used. This can have benefits, e.g., in terms of manufacture of the top plate using laser cutting, structural robustness, etc..
  • FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an example implementation of the connection component 811.
  • the connection component 811 includes an elastic element 861, e.g., made from rubber.
  • the elastic element 861 is cylindrically shaped, so as to extend between interiors of the housings 111 of adjacent valve blocks 801-803.
  • the elastic element 861 has flanges 862 at the ends, e.g., to provide a better seal against the environment.
  • Valves relying on pre-assembled actuator components, multi-channel valve blocks, and systems including multiple valve blocks have been described. Thereby, various setups for switching one or more fluid flow paths can be flexibly configured using a modular set up.
  • a linear configuration of SMA-based actuator components that can be attached to a housing to thereby form a valve have been described. Thereby, compact and lightweight valves can be provided.
  • various examples have been described in connection with an implementation of the actuator component using an SMA wire as an actuator, to move the plunger between a closed position and an opened position.
  • Various examples - in particular, in connection with the modular setup using a carrier that is attachable to the housing to form the valve and/or using multiple valve blocks that can be fluidly connected via a connection component - can be similarly implemented using other kinds and types of actuators, e.g., piezoelectric or solenoid actuators.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)
  • Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
EP22178168.5A 2020-02-24 2020-02-24 Elektrisch betätigte ventile Pending EP4075034A1 (de)

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US11982369B2 (en) * 2022-06-01 2024-05-14 Tangtring Seating Technology Inc Air valve structure
US11953114B2 (en) * 2022-06-01 2024-04-09 Tangtring Seating Technology Inc. Air valve with SMA for switching
US11982263B1 (en) * 2023-05-02 2024-05-14 Hutchinson Technology Incorporated Shape metal alloy (SMA) bimorph actuators with reduced wire exit angle

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EP3869074B1 (de) 2023-06-21
EP3869074A1 (de) 2021-08-25
CN115176108A (zh) 2022-10-11
US20230131889A1 (en) 2023-04-27
WO2021170353A1 (en) 2021-09-02

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